Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare

“Sideways”

By Brett_G on April 13, 2021April 11, 2021

7.6

Think “The Hangover,” but in California wine country with only two friends. And one is an insufferable author. It’s fun to see these two play off each other. The eternal optimist and the eternal Eeyore.

The story is pretty predictable, the soundtrack is the same one you get with every other rom-com from this era, but the laughs are plentiful. Pour yourself a nice Merlot (I’m a Bourdeaux guy myself), sit back, and relax while enjoying this tale of these two gents getting their grapes crushed by life.

Drama

“French Exit”

By Brett_G on April 11, 2021

6.6

I’ve spent 24 hours trying to process and interpret what the hell this is… I’m still at a loss.

I can’t tell if this is a beautiful tale of friends filling in as family, or a horrifying tale of delusion as a result of traumatic loss. Whether it’s brilliant or insane. Whether there was a story here, or they just shot random scenes and decided to end it when the tape ran out.

Fascinating to watch in that it keeps you engaged in the pursuit of understanding. It definitely had some strong “Harold & Maude” vibes, but without the charm.

Comedy Indie

“Shiva Baby”

By Brett_G on April 10, 2021

6.9

Get ready to get uncomfortable. And be uncomfortable until the credits roll. A film that beautifully encapsulates the pain of family/church functions. Especially when your booty calls all show up to the same party. Awkward…

Sharp script, witty dialogue, well-framed shots. It plays like a play. Just the right amount of claustrophobia to keep you on the edge of your seat and waiting to see what the next twist will be.

Action Blockbuster

“Voyagers”

By Brett_G on April 9, 2021April 9, 2021

6.5

Where “Interstellar” and “Lord of the Flies” meet. I never thought that was going to be a combo I’d use in one of these. Also, a bit early for an on the nose commentary about society’s disintegration, as we resort to our primal instincts when overwhelmed with fear. Wild choice in release timing.

Technically speaking, a well-done action movie. Felt like a return to the glory days of YA thrillers back in the early 2010s (think Hunger Games and Maze Runner). Solid cast. Predictable story with very little nuance. A lot of weird subliminal messaging with the flashes of animal shots and water droplets or fire.

Don’t drink the blue kool aid.

Horror/Thriller Indie

“The Unholy”

By Brett_G on April 6, 2021April 5, 2021

6.8

In the most sarcastic tone I can muster, “I did NOT see that coming!”

As the movie shares in its conclusion, quoting Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

Simple mix-up. No way the Vatican could have known that there could be someone else named Mary… perhaps a witch who was hung, burned, her soul trapped in a doll for eternity.

For as silly as the story was on paper, it’s executed well by the cast. Some genuine moments of terrorizing tension, jump scares that made me jump, and a real emotional connection to the core cast in their struggle with the dark side. Cary Elwes is coming into his own as a bad guy since “Saw.” Cricket Brown shines as Alice, the second hearing impaired main character who is essential to the story and becomes the story’s emotional core with the fewest words almost effortlessly that I’ve seen this week. (The other being Kaylee Hottle as Gia in “Kong vs. Godzilla”)

Not amazing, not terrible. Solid horror flick that was clearly released on Good Friday for a reason.